A CENTURY-old swing bridge has been reopened in Lydney Harbour after a £50,000 upgrade.

Lydney Sea Cadets joined forces with the town’s Coastal Community Team (CCT) to mark the return of the bridge, which was hoisted out of position in May 2016 and taken off site for a complete overhaul.

The CCT was established in 2015 and the swing bridge over Lydney Canal has been their first project, with further dredging of the mile-long waterway also in the pipeline so that yachts and launches can access it.  

The Grade II-listed harbour is classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument identified by English Heritage within their “At Risk Register” and the refurbished bridge, also listed, will now swing open to let craft through, controlled by the harbour master,.

A £50,000 maximum Coastal Revival Fund grant was secured by the CCT from the Government’s Department of Communities and Local Government for the refurbishment works. 

Rotting laminated timbers have been replaced with structural steelwork that will significantly extend the life of the important local asset, while care has also been taken to install a non-slip timber deck to improve pedestrian safety in bad weather.

Lydney-based engineering company Mabey Bridge Limited won the contract to undertake the bridge repairs last year. 

Chief executive officer Michael Treacy said: “Lydney’s swing bridge has been standing for nearly 100 years, but its age was starting to tell. While our team installs and services bridges all over the world, this project was of special importance to our Lydney-based workforce who couldn’t wait to get their hands on the bridge and bring it back to its former glory.

“We’re delighted that the landmark is now fully operational and will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

A spokesperson for the Forest of Dean District Council said: “As a next step, the Lydney Coastal Team is working to secure funding to dredge the canal up towards the station and install new moorings to encourage more boats to use this stretch of water. 

“It will be wonderful to see more people sailing in from the River Severn to visit Lydney by boat. Our enthusiastic team members have plenty of ideas about improving lines of sight to the water to open up the canal for more people to enjoy.”

A spokesperson for Lydney Town Council added: “This is the first of a series of projects within the overall plan for the harbour area, and is a good example of how to achieve positive outcomes by working effectively with a range of strategic partners.

“Particular thanks must go to Mabey Bridge for their commitment to the rebuild - the bridge says it all, and will do for many years to come.”

Lydney’s CCT is seeking to increase the tourism and recreation potential of Lydney Docks and Harbour whilst retaining and safeguarding its historic character and structure. 

Improving pedestrian and cycle access from the harbour area to the railway station and town centre shops and services are key priorities for the new partnership team while there is also a strong desire to attract investment to build a café and toilets to support increased boat use.